The neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Case report with a review of the literature.

Following the administration of fluphenthixol (a depot phenothiazine) for a psychotic illness, a 44-year-old woman developed weakness, rhabdomyolysis and renal failure, together with hyperthermia (42 degrees C) and signs of both autonomic and central nervous system dysfunction. She died following massive intestinal haemorrhage, intra-abdominal sepsis and probable disseminated intravascular coagulation. A diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome had been made, but treatment with dantrolene sodium was probably instituted too late to prevent the progress of the complications she had developed. This syndrome, which follows the use of phenothiazines or butyrophenones, is rare, potentially fatal and probably underdiagnosed. It has been likened to malignant hyperthermia, but a review of the literature points to many differences. Both dantrolene sodium and dopaminergic drugs (bromocriptine, amantidine and L-dopa) have been shown to be efficacious and their continued use, despite a failure in this case, is advocated until more is known about this syndrome.

The end of the crystalloid era? A new approach to peri-operative fluid administration.

The metabolic response to surgery causes sodium and water retention. It does not seem logical to pour crystalloid solutions into patients in the peri-operative period, particularly when these solutions can cause deterioration in lung function. Plasma volume must be maintained to prevent a decreased blood flow to vital organs such as the kidneys. Blood or colloid solutions, not crystalloid solutions, should be used for this purpose, since the latter are distributed throughout the whole extracellular space and are less effective in maintaining plasma volume. Water given as 5% dextrose should be given in minimal quantities to maintain intracellular hydration. Patients undergoing minor to moderate surgery when they are likely to be drinking within 24 hours do not usually require any intravenous infusion. Moreover, to administer intravenous fluids to these patients may cause harm. No fluid regimens should be inflexible and the patient's size, age and fluid losses should be taken into account.

The haemodynamic effects of intravenous induction. Comparison of the effects of thiopentone and propofol.

The haemodynamic changes following induction of anaesthesia with equipotent doses of propofol and thiopentone have been compared. Propofol caused a significant fall in arterial blood pressure and total peripheral resistance, with a slight fall in cardiac output. There were no changes in heart rate. Apart from an initial, but statistically insignificant increase in heart rate, similar changes were produced by thiopentone, but to a lesser degree. It is concluded that induction of anaesthesia with propofol results in acceptable haemodynamic changes, but that the agent is more depressant to the cardiovascular system than thiopentone.